Stanford University vs USC: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Stanford University and University of Southern California, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Stanford University vs USC at a glance
Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and USC 9.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $12,307 at Stanford University and $33,056 at USC. Six-year graduation rates are 91.6% and 90.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and USC 9.8%, so Stanford University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $12,307 a year at Stanford University and $33,056 at USC; Stanford University costs $20,749 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,067 at Stanford University and $17,171 at USC.
- 91.6% of students graduate within six years at Stanford University, against 90.2% at USC.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $125,340 for Stanford University and $103,420 for USC; Stanford University is $21,920 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $10,750 at Stanford University and $17,000 at USC.
- Stanford University enrolls 7,554 students (large suburb) and USC 20,443 (large city).
Side by side
Stanford University and USC in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Stanford University | USC |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 9.8% |
| Applicants | 55,471 | 71,031 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 32–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $12,307 | $33,056 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,544 | $75,162 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,544 | $75,162 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,892 | $95,048 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,067 | $17,171 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $13,736 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | Not reported | $18,282 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $6,603 | $28,033 |
| Over $110,000 | $47,575 | $59,062 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 91.6% | 90.2% |
| First-year retention | 98.2% | 95.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $125,340 | $103,420 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $10,750 | $17,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $122 | $193 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,554 | 20,443 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Stanford, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Stanford University reports 52 bachelor's programs and USC 90; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Stanford University vs USC
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Stanford University or USC?
Stanford University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Stanford University admits 3.6% of applicants and USC admits 9.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Stanford University 1510–1580; USC 1450–1550.
Which is cheaper, Stanford University or USC?
Stanford University has the lower average net price after grants: $12,307 a year at Stanford University against $33,056 at USC. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,067 and $17,171. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Stanford University or USC graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more at the median: $125,340 ten years after entry for Stanford University and $103,420 for USC. Median federal debt at graduation is $10,750 and $17,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Stanford University or USC?
Stanford University does: 91.6% of Stanford University students graduate within six years, against 90.2% at USC.
How big are Stanford University and USC?
Stanford University has 7,554 students in Stanford, CA and USC has 20,443 students in Los Angeles, CA.